Chapter 154: Learning the truth
In that single, telling glance shared between Mito, Miyuki, and Minato, the full truth finally dawned on Uzumaki Kushina. She understood what Kagenori's quiet "I succeeded" truly meant.
Before Kagenori could offer his own explanation, Uzumaki Miyuki spoke first, her voice gentle but firm. "Kushina, this was my choice. The Hokage had me study fuinjutsu with you and Lady Mito to assess my aptitude. When I demonstrated a talent for it, and given my Uzumaki vitality, I was deemed the more suitable candidate to be the next Jinchuriki. They told me everything, and I agreed."
She offered a small, reassuring smile. "There's nothing wrong with being the Nine-Tails' vessel. The Hokage promised my identity would be protected, and I would be given a good life here. Kushina, after the fall of Uzushiogakure, my life was one of constant fear and displacement. With no power of my own, being an Uzumaki made me a target. Here in Konoha, I have stability. I want to repay that. And I know how hard Kagenori has fought for you. You're my only friend. If I can do this for you, and for myself, isn't it the best outcome?"
Kushina's eyes, already glistening, spilled over. "Miyuki..."
Kagenori felt a wave of relief. It was better this way, for Miyuki to present it as her own voluntary decision. It shielded him from the worst of Kushina's potential hurt, though he knew he now owed Miyuki a significant debt.
Uzumaki Mito's fading gaze turned to Namikaze Minato. "Minato… I entrust Miyuki to your care."
Minato's expression was one of absolute resolve. "I will protect her with my life."
Mito gave her final, quiet blessings to the four young people before them. "The future is yours now. It is time for me to go find Hashirama. You should all go, and live your lives."
As they turned to leave, Mito's voice, thin as parchment, called out one last time. "Kagenori. Do not forget our agreement."
"I remember," he replied, his voice low and steady.
Kushina was quiet and withdrawn on the walk home. Once inside, she collapsed onto the sofa, curling into herself and burying her face in her knees.
Kagenori sat beside her, a hand hovering over her back, unsure. Before he could speak, she lifted her head. Her eyes were red-rimmed, filled with a complex mix of emotions that made his heart clench with a sudden, unfamiliar guilt.
"Kagenori," she began, her voice thick with unshed tears. "You and Miyuki… you've known each other for a long time, haven't you?"
Kagenori's breath hitched. He had hoped to avoid this.
Seeing the fresh tears well in her eyes, he knew evasion was impossible. He let out a slow sigh. "I found her. I was the one who brought her to Konoha."
Kushina's pupils dilated in shock. She had assumed their meeting was a coincidence after Miyuki's arrival. The truth was far more calculated.
He told her everything—his search in the Land of Grass, the deal he struck with the desperate girl, his political maneuvering with Orochimaru, Danzo, and even the Hokage himself.
By the time he finished, Kushina was speechless, stunned by the sheer scale of the web he had woven, all for her sake. He had shouldered immense pressure and walked a razor's edge of danger, completely alone.
She threw her arms around him, holding him tightly. "Kagenori… thank you," she whispered into his shoulder. "But please… don't hide things from me anymore. I should know. We should face everything together, honestly."
He held her, one hand gently stroking her vibrant red hair. "I'm sorry. I should have told you. But I saw how you and Miyuki became friends. I know how deeply you care for your friends, and I… I was afraid you would see me as a monster who uses people as pawns."
"I would never think that!" she insisted, pulling back to look at him. "Never. But… Miyuki is taking my place. She's my friend. It doesn't feel right. Kagenori, can we—"
"No," he cut her off, his voice firm and absolute. He held her by the shoulders, his gaze intense. "If you feel indebted to Miyuki, we will repay her a thousand times over in other ways. But what she said was true. The life I saved her from was one of fear and misery. Her Uzumaki blood would have been a curse, not a blessing, out in the world. We made a deal, and she agreed to it freely from the beginning."
His tone brooked no argument. "The Hokage has sanctioned this. It is a fait accompli. Uzumaki Miyuki will be the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. There will be no reversal. I will not allow it."
After nearly a decade of meticulous planning and sacrifice, the finish line was in sight. He would not let it slip away, not even for Kushina's momentary guilt.
Kushina let out a long, shuddering sigh, the fight draining out of her. She knew that tone. When Kagenori's mind was set, it was carved in stone.
She stood up from the sofa, forcing a semblance of normalcy. "Kagenori, what would you like for dinner?"
Seeing her attempt to move on, he offered a small, genuine smile. "I'll come with you."
"No," she said, shaking her head. "I'll go myself. I… I want to go see Miyuki."
"Alright," he agreed. "I'll wait for you. Let's have beef curry and miso soup."
"Okay. Wait for me."
Kushina left and made her way to Miyuki's apartment. As she approached, she saw Namikaze Minato leaving, a soft smile on his face as he called a farewell back inside.
"Miyuki, see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow, Min— Oh, Kushina?"
Miyuki spotted Kushina standing a short distance away. Minato, noticing the tension, simply gave a respectful nod before taking his leave. He was well aware of the chasm between himself and the couple.
Miyuki quickly ushered Kushina inside. "Kushina, what brings you here? You should be with Kagenori. Come in, sit down."
After pouring a glass of water, Miyuki sat opposite her. "What did you want to talk about, Kushina?"
Kushina set the cup down, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She met Miyuki's gaze, her expression filled with sincere remorse.
"Miyuki," she said, her voice clear and steady. "I came to apologize to you. I'm so sorry."
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